I sat outside on the back porch and watched a meticulous and prudent Mama Bird build a nest for her babies. Back and forth she flew from the woods to the safe place clearly in sight from where I sat. Mama Bird, a beautiful little female cardinal, has resided in our back yard since I moved back in December of last year. I’ve noticed a few things about Mama Bird over the last eight months. She’s incredibly perceptive to changes in her environment, quick to respond, swift in flight, and she is particularly fond of a dashing red Daddy Bird. Whenever I see Mama Bird, I know Daddy Bird isn’t too far away, and like clockwork he’ll make his appearance soon after I spot her. Everything about this delicate creature, whether it be her instincts, her gifts, or even choice in mate, is evidence that Mama Bird, like all mothers, has a God-given purpose—to create a safe place.

Being a mother is more than providing food and shelter; being a mother is being a safe place. When we hear “safe place” we think of brick walls and locked doors, high tech security and medical aid in reach. Truly though, will any of these things really protect us if we aren’t built up in love?

From the day she gives birth, every mother has a choice. She can choose to speak life into her child or death, to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage. Words matter, and every word you speak is slowly but surely building a nest, a nest that will either go on to become a safe place or a pile of garbage that will inevitably crumble.

As I continued to watch Mama Bird build her little nest, I began to see things differently. I saw her set down kindness and gentleness then retreat back into the forest. I then saw her return with patience and self control. Then she laid down faithfulness and love on top. Just as Mama Bird persistently returned to the forest for more sticks, we must continue to return to the Lord for spiritual fruit. Undoubtedly it’s this fruit that will nourish us to become healthy mothers.

I pray this encourages you to build a nest of your own, one built of love not of fear, bitterness, or control. May your nest be one that your children retreat to even into adulthood when the world is unkind or unfair. May you come to realize you are and will forever be their safe place.

“A Safe Place” was created to inspire words of encouragement and love. Every word we speak is slowly but surely building a nest for those that depend on us. Whenever I look at it, I’ll remember the power I hold in my voice; I’ll remember the importance of building others up with the words I choose. This little 6×6 inch acrylic painting will be made to order in my Etsy Shoppe.

kamillestreasures.etsy.com

.

Mama bird builds

a safe little place.

Slowly but surely,

she does not race.

.

To build in love

is to build a nest—

a safe place for someone

so they can rest.

.

Some sticks, some twigs,

a few leaves to be found;

encouragement and kindness

sprinkled around.

.

A beautiful place

with plenty of room,

seeds sown in love

just waiting to bloom.